Wednesday 31 August 2016

Air respirator.

Duraflow is a lightweight and ergonomically designed Powered Air Respirator with sophisticated real-time air flow control technology from Scott Safety. The new solution gives complete wearer assurance of respiratory protection to focus on the job rather than the protective equipment itself, in a multitude of hazardous situations and industries.

Mark Andrews, Global Product Line Manager Powered Air, Halfmask & Airline at Scott Safety said: “Our design intent for Duraflow was to bring to the market a reliable, durable powered air product at an affordable price for those currently using respirators with filters fitted directly to the mask (negative pressure mode).”

Duraflow’s automatic monitoring features ensure the airflow rate is maintained at precisely the correct level to afford protection for the user. Visual and audible diagnostics alert the user of any drop in airflow below the required level or when the battery needs re-charging. 2 high energy density battery options are available –standard and extended duration which can be selected depending on shift coverage required- less downtime more working time.

Duraflow will help employers meet the needs of workers across all demographics- with its low respiratory burden. As highlighted in Scott Safety’s latest whitepaper, changes in lung function in older employees working in manual positions can reduce their ability to undertake certain active tasks. By providing workers with a cooling stream of purified air, Duraflow can for some workers make the difference between whether a job can be completed or not.

Highly versatile, Duraflow is compatible with a plethora of Scott Safety headtops, filters and accessories, protecting workers from a variety of environmental hazards.

@ScottSafetyEMEA #PAuto #Safety

Joint development focus on a new standard.

Harting Electronics GmbH, based in Espelkamp (D), and Hirose Electric C. Ltd., Tokyo (J), have reached agreement on the joint development, product standardization and marketing of a miniaturized connection technology system for 10Gbit Ethernet.

Kazunori Ishii (L) & Philip Harting
The RJ45 was indispensable when using Ethernet ten years ago. However, it was not ideally suitable for use in industrial environments and could only be deployed with certain modifications. In light of this situation, Harting developed the world’s first industry-compatible field attachable RJ45.
The miniaturization of components and interfaces in connection technology has become a key factor in global digitalization through the Internet of Things and Services.

“As a form of the Internet of Things, there is one thing that ‘Industrie 4.0’ requires above all else: an Ethernet connection to each and every ‘Industrie 4.0’ component,” explaines Philip Harting, Chairman of the Board at the Harting Technology Group. “The standardization and international norms for new high-performance components and infrastructure is an essential requirement for market success and provides planning security.”


On the other hand, Hirose Electric has offered miniature connector solutions for small handheld devices including mobile phones, tablets and cameras and has contributed to the miniaturization and the high-speed communication of electronic devices. The company has played a significant role in the high performance and miniaturization industry, not only with internal connectors, but also with interface connectors such as micro-USB (USB2.0, 3.0, and 3.1) which were originally developed by HIROSE. In addition, they will focus on the Industrial market and apply this extensive knowledge and expertise to provide high-end miniaturized connectivity solutions for ‘Industrie 4.0’.
To meet the challenging market demand for global digitalisation, both partners’ have therefore agreed to utilise Harting’s and Hirose’s strength. The result is the development of a new miniaturized and robust Ethernet interface for high-speed data transmission rates to set a new standard for ‘Industrie-4.0’ applications.

“Our customers benefit from the bundled expertise of two technology leaders, on one hand, and global presence and customer proximity on the other,” remarkes Hirose- President, Kazunori Ishii. The two companies plan to reveal further details on their cooperation in the autumn at electronica and SPS/IPC Drives in November 2016.

@HARTING #PAuto #Japan #Hirose

Tuesday 30 August 2016

Process safety committee's co-chair announced!

aeSolutions has announced the recent co-chair appointment of Paul Gruhn to the ISA84 Committee. The ISA84 Committee develops standards and technical reports for use in applying Electrical/Electronic/Programmable Electronic Systems (E/E/PES) in process safety applications.

Paul Gruhn
As co-chair, Gruhn will help build consensus among participants on ISA84 standards interpretations and modifications, ensure that the committee operates within its scope and purpose, and set goals and deadlines for the committee.

“The ISA organization aligns well with our mission to continuously improve the process safety performance of industry. The ISA84 standards are foundational to our integrated business model and the lifecycle solutions we deliver,” stated aeSolutions CEO Kathy Shell. “We are thrilled that Paul will be furthering ISA’s efforts in a leadership position on the ISA84 Committee. He has the full backing of our entire organization, myself and our founders, Mike Scott and Ken O'Malley.”

Paul Gruhn is a Global Functional Safety Consultant with aeSolutions in Houston, Texas. Paul is an ISA Life Fellow, a member of the ISA 84 standards committee for 26 years, the developer and instructor of ISA courses on safety systems, the author of two ISA textbooks, many articles, and the developer of the first commercial safety system software modeling program. Paul has a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology, is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Texas, and both a Certified Functional Safety Expert (CFSE) and an ISA 84 Safety Instrumented Systems Expert.

#Pauto @aesolns #ISA84

Thermal energy harvesting to wireless products.

Evolving the world’s largest industrial wireless portfolio, Emerson has announced the adoption of advanced thermal energy harvesting as a power source for its wireless products. Power Puck® thermoelectric energy harvesters convert ambient heat commonly released in industrial processes into electricity for powering Rosemount™ wireless transmitters.

Perpetua’s Power Puck energy harvesting solution is especially advantageous to wireless devices in power intensive applications, where a conventional power module may require replacements more frequently. The company’s Power Puck thermoelectric energy harvester provides continuous, reliable power for the life of the transmitter and includes an intrinsically safe power module for back-up power.

"Perpetua’s Power Puck is a convenient, sustainable energy harvesting solution which can be incorporated into a variety of applications, enabling users to decrease maintenance costs,” said Bob Karschnia, Emerson’s vice president and general manager for wireless.

“We have been working directly with Emerson and their customers and are pleased with this expanded relationship and the vote of confidence in Perpetua products,” said Jon Hofmeister, president of Perpetua Power. “We look forward to supporting Emerson’s mission of driving customer value through widespread adoption of industrial wireless technologies.”

A heat source is all that is required to fully power wireless transmitters at their fastest update rate using Perpetua’s Power Puck. Configurations allow connections to most heat sources, including flat and curved surfaces with temperatures up to 840°F/449°C. Power Puck solutions are intrinsically safe and classified for use in hazardous areas. Power Puck certifications include ATEX, IECEx, USA, and Canada.

 @EmersonProcess  #PAuto @HHC_Lewis 

Cybersecurity in Canada!

The International Society of Automation (ISA)* is to participate in the Canadian Cybersecurity Alliance (CCA) /Alliance canadienne sur la cybersécurité (ACC).

The CCA-ACC (originally initiated as the Inter-Association Working Group on Cyber Security - IAWGCS) is a voluntary, non-hierarchical, not-for-profit agile network, founded by Grant Lecky in 2013. The primary purpose of the CCA-ACC is to enhance the professionalization of the Canadian cyber domain through effective inter-association engagement and knowledge-sharing.

To date, more than 90 associations with a stake in cybersecurity have confirmed their participation in the CCA-ACC. Each of the participating associations contribute their own unique perspective on the Canadian cyber landscape.

The CCA-ACC is administered by a National Council, whose role includes maintaining the structure of the CCA-ACC and facilitating inter-association dialogue.

*ISA has developed the world’s only consensus-based series of industrial cybersecurity standards. These series of standards—known as ISA/IEC 62443— are integral components of the US government’s current and future plans to combat industrial cyberattack. They define requirements and procedures for implementing electronically secure automation and control systems and security practices, and assessing electronic security performance.


#PAuto #ISAuto

US flowmeter approved as heat meter.

Krohne's ultrasonic flowmeter OPTISONIC 3400 is now available with heat meter approval according to MID 2014/32/EU Annex VI MI-004 (and harmonized CEN EN1434, OIML R75) in accuracy classes 1, 2 and 3.

Target applications include district heating networks, commercial and industrial heat metering applications as well as energy and utility applications in combined heat and electricity generation.

OPTISONIC 3400 is the only inline heat meter that provides high accuracy measurement of heated water with three ultrasonic paths throughout the whole diameter range DN25…2000 / 1…80". To ensure stated accuracy classes, each heat meter undergoes a 3 point factory calibration performed with water.

With its direct path configuration, OPTISONIC 3400 is not susceptible to (magnetite) scaling like meters that use reflectors. It offers bi-directional flow measurement and a fully welded construction without potential leak points. OPTISONIC 3400 also features enhanced diagnostic and status indications (according to NAMUR NE 107) and measurement of the velocity of sound to gain additional information about medium and process.

 #PAuto @KROHNE_USA

Space age challenge!

Video on First-of-Its-Kind I.S.S. design challenge!

Mouser Electronics  has just released a new video for the International Space Station (I.S.S.) Design Challenge, part of Mouser’s award-winning Empowering Innovation Together™ program. In this new video, celebrity engineer Grant Imahara describes the first-of-its-kind global contest, in which participants create an object that can be 3D-printed aboard the I.S.S. Mouser is accepting entries for this incredible competition now through Oct. 7, 2016.

The I.S.S. Design Challenge is a call to college and university students, engineers, and makers, to create a 3D-printable project designed to help I.S.S. astronauts in space. All entries will be judged by Imahara and a former commander of the I.S.S.

“Like previous Empowering Innovation Together challenges, the I.S.S. Design Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for engineers of all levels to prove their genius,” said Imahara. “This contest adds the incredible elements of 3D printing and space!”

For the I.S.S. Design Challenge, Mouser has partnered with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Made In Space, along with Hackster and MacroFab. The winner of the I.S.S. Challenge will receive a 3D printer, a consultation with Made In Space — pioneers in additive manufacturing technology for use in the space environment — and the prestige of seeing their design 3D-printed aboard the I.S.S. Mouser’s valued supplier partner Amphenol is a co-sponsor of the program.

“This contest definitely kicks up the excitement level by challenging our customers to create something to be used in space,” said Glenn Smith, President and CEO of Mouser Electronics. “Mouser’s unparalleled selection of electronic components allows both amateurs and professionals to create anything they can dream up.”




@MouserElec #PAuto @TechWireIntl #ISS @Space_Station

Monday 29 August 2016

Acclaimed speakers for Process Control & Safety Symposium.

The best and brightest minds in process industries—including three distinguished keynote speakers—will come together at the 2016 ISA Process Control & Safety Symposium and Exhibition, 7-10 November in Houston, (TX USA).

Attending engineers, technicians and plant managers will be able to gain the latest insights, news and trends in process measurement and control—particularly in the chemical and energy processing and other key process industry sectors. Particular attention will be placed on the critical issues in instrumentation, communications, control systems, safety and security.

Three outstanding keynote presentations
Three notable automation and control industry professionals will deliver keynote addresses. A keynote presentation will be delivered on each day of the conference.

Paul Gruhn
Tuesday 8 November
“Process Safety: Are we getting any better? Recollections on four decades of experience and more”
Keynote Presenter: Paul Gruhn
Paul Gruhn, Global Functional Safety Consultant at aeSolutions, is a highly acclaimed and awarded safety expert in the automation and control field, with more than four decades of experience. He is an ISA Fellow, the co-chair of the ISA 84 standard committee (on safety instrumented systems), and a developer and instructor of ISA courses on safety systems.
An accomplished author, he has written two ISA textbooks (Safety Instrumented Systems: Design, Analysis & Justification and Sell More through Effective Technical Presentations), other book chapters and more than two dozen published articles.
Gruhn developed the first commercial safety system modeling software. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Texas, a member of Control System Engineer (CSE) exam team, a certified functional safety expert (CFSE) and an ISA84 expert. He received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology.
Dr Bonnie Dunbar

Wednesday 9 November
“Inspiring and Recruiting Engineers into the 21st Century”
Keynote Presenter: Bonnie J. Dunbar
Bonnie J. Dunbar, Ph.D., is a retired NASA astronaut, engineer, and educator. She currently is a Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) Distinguished Research Professor in the university’s Department of Aerospace Engineering, and has a joint appointment as the director of the TEES Institute for Engineering Education and Innovation (IEEI).
A member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering, Dr. Dunbar comes to Texas A&M from the University of Houston where she provided leadership in the development of a new integrated university science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) center. At the University of Houston, she served as an M.D. Anderson Professor of Mechanical Engineering and directed the SICSA Space Architecture graduate program.
Prior to that, Dr. Dunbar worked for The Rockwell International Space Division Company building Space Shuttle Columbia and worked for 27 years at NASA. She holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degrees in ceramic engineering from the University of Washington and a doctorate degree in mechanical/biomedical engineering from the University of Houston.

Thursday 10 November
Steve Mustard
“Safe and Secure? The State of Industrial Cybersecurity”
Keynote Presenter: Steve Mustard
Steve Mustard is an ISA Certified Automation Professional® (CAP®), UK registered Chartered Engineer, and European registered Eur Ing and consultant with extensive development and management experience in business process automation across multiple sectors.
A widely recognized expert in industrial cybersecurity and an ISA99 Security Standards Committee member, Mustard played an essential role in the development of the world’s only consensus-based series of industrial cybersecurity standards—ISA/IEC 62443. He also actively participates in cybersecurity working groups formed by the Automation Federation, ISA’s umbrella organization.
Mustard’s previous and current client list includes: the UK Ministry of Defence; NATO; major utilities, such as Anglian Water Services and Sydney Water Corporation; major oil and gas companies, such as BG Group and Aera Energy; Quintiles Laboratories; and other leading organizations.

A world-class technical program and vendor exhibition
In addition to the keynote presentations, the symposium offers an expert-led technical program that will cover the critical issues in instrumentation, safety, security, communications and control systems. Among the wide-ranging topics to be covered include: Instrumentation; Communications; Control Systems.

An exhibit showcase will feature the latest product and service information at engaging vendor and supplier exhibits. Daily luncheons and nightly receptions allow for ample networking and socializing.

Attendees may add value to their event experience by taking an on-site ISA training short course. The following three courses will be conducted on Monday, 7 November—prior to the commencement of the technical program:



Register for this professionally rewarding event today

#PCS2016 #PAuto #ISAuto

Counting in Chinese!

With China proving to be one of the world’s fastest growing economies in recent years, Hengstler has added a comprehensive Chinese font set to the firmware of its popular eXtendo range of receipt-type printers. Designated eXtendo XF, which comprises the X-56 and X-80 models – both of which feature a larger memory – Hengstler receipt-type printers are now ready to meet the demands of ticket vending machine OEMs serving Chinese-speaking markets.

The Chinese language is the world’s most widely spoken, dwarfing the next most popular language, Spanish, by a factor of nearly three. Beyond China, the language is spoken in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore, and is present extensively in countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia, not to mention sizable Chinese communities in almost all Western economies. With this in mind, incorporating the Chinese language into tickets machines found at locations such as car parks, outdoor kiosks, railway/metro stations, betting shops and ATMs, for example, can now be facilitated with Hengstler’s eXtendo XF.

To store the large GB18030 national standard master font set, which contains more than 27,000 Chinese characters, Hengstler has doubled the memory within its eXtendo XF family printers to 4 MB. In fact, both the X-56 and X-80 (the numerals represent the receipt width in millimetres) now offer larger flash and RAM. Furthermore, due to the required Unicode addressing scheme and the larger number of characters that must be stored, hardware and firmware redesigns were also implemented.

A further benefit of the increased memory means that there is no longer any limitation on the size of customer font and bitmap images that can be uploaded, thus delivering greater product functionality.

With the integral font manager, customers can upload any type of font desired (up to 10 fonts) using the upload tool that is included in the printer’s driver package. Font manager selects and matches all the characters of the font type as defined in the code page. It is also possible to select and/or deselect single characters. Hengstler only uses the font manager for licensed fonts but customers can use it to upload their own licensed or open source fonts.

As a point of note, the expanded memory also means that Hengstler is able to service languages such as Japanese, Korean, Hebrew or any other language containing proprietary character sets. Importantly, however, to avoid burdening OEM customers that do not require special character sets with the cost of expanded memory, the basic versions remain available.

The original eXtendo family of receipt type printers has been in worldwide circulation for over a decade. The successful X-56 and X-80 models enjoy a market reputation as highly reliable direct thermal print mechanisms capable of operating in environments where there are wide variations in temperature and humidity, while further benefits include compact design, accurate cutting and an extensive feature set. The need to print and cut thick paper, handle large paper rolls and detect jams are among additional capabilities ensuring the ongoing popularity of these advanced printers.

#Hengstler #PAuto #China

Level in high temp applications.

Magnetrol® International has announced the release of the E3 Modulevel® displacer level transmitter with an increased upper temperature rating. E3 MODULEVEL transmitters now handle process temperatures of up to +450 °C (+850 °F) for non-steam applications and +425 °C (+800 °F) for steam applications. This capability helps protect downstream equipment by providing accurate, reliable liquid and interface level control in extreme process conditions.

Using linear variable differential transformer (LVDT)/range spring technology, E3 MODULEVEL transmitters offer outstanding output stability, structural integrity and ease of use. Vertical in-line design of the transmitter results in low instrument weight and simplified installation.

@Magnetrol_Level #PAuto @MagnetrolGlobal

Friday 26 August 2016

High-density multi-conductor terminal blocks.

Phoenix Contact has introduced their PT 2,5/S-QUATTRO terminal blocks. These four-position terminal blocks occupy the same amount of space as the company’s two-position terminal blocks. This allows for a high wiring density without sacrificing space across the DIN rail.

Up to four 12 AWG conductors can be connected in one feed-through terminal block. The terminal
blocks feature Phoenix Contact’s push-in connection technology, for quick, tool-free wiring of the
pre-assembled conductors. Ground terminals are also available in the same shape.

These multi-conductor terminal blocks also have a double function shaft for easy potential
distribution with plug-in bridges and large-surface marking options. Each current path can be
individually tested for the terminal blocks.

As part of Phoenix Contact’s CLIPLINE complete terminal block system, the PT 2,5/S QUATTRO
accepts standard accessories and marking products, which can reduce inventory costs.

@PhoenixContact #PAuto

Oxygen measurements in natural gas.

A new application note is available to download from Michell Instruments’ website: Oxygen Measurement in Natural Gas.

There are many reasons why oxygen is undesirable in natural gas, on top of meeting the regulatory requirements for purity:

·       Oxygen combines with other chemical gases, especially H2S, to form acids.
·       Oxygen does not add to the heating value of the gas and is not of benefit.
·       Oxygen degrades amine, which inhibits the process of removing carbon dioxide and H2S from the gas chemically.
·       Oxygen can degrade some mercaptans reducing the effectiveness of these odorants in the gas.
·       Oxygen accelerates corrosion in the mechanical components that come in contact with the gas.
·       Oxygen in sufficient quantities and with a heat source can cause explosions.


The application note discusses the various oxygen measurement methods available, along with their benefits and disadvantages.

• Michell Instruments products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

@Michell_Inst #PAuto #Gas 

Next generation freezing point analyser.

The next generation of PAC's ISL FZP 5G2S, "the world’s leading Freezing Point Laboratory Analyser."

The new OptiFZP offers improved productivity with proven reliability and accuracy. The user-friendly interface on a 7” color touch-screen allows users to start a test with just the touch of a button and view a real-time graphic display of the test, improving customer experience and accelerating lab productivity.

The patented built-in cooling system, unique detection cell, and automatic cleaning help lower the cost of ownership, while producing accurate results up to -100°C (-148°F) in under 15 minutes. The new model includes all the standard data exporting capabilities (USB, RS232, network printing) as well as LIMS connectivity through the IRIS platform.

OptiFZP offers superior correlation to the manual method with excellent sensitivity to contaminated samples. This proven analyzer is compliant with ASTM D7153 and IP 529 and has perfect correlation to ASTM D2386 and IP 16.

@PACexpert #Laboratory #TandM #PAuto

Record growth at noise & vibration specialist.

Svantek has reported a 20% increase in sales for the first half of 2016, compared to the same period last year.

Anticipating record growth by the end of 2016, the specialist in noise and vibration instrumentation for occupational health and environmental monitoring attributes this latest success to a series of exciting new product launches, including the introduction of the world’s first personal hand-arm vibration exposure meter. The SV103 easily attaches to the operator’s arm whilst the lightweight MEMS accelerometer straps to the hand making it the only device to accurately measure the vibration dose being received.

Another key reason for the increase in sales is Svantek’s strengthened position in the construction market which is stipulating a preference for its high performance indoor and outdoor noise and vibration monitoring stations.

Paul Rubens, General Manager at Svantek comments: “We are delighted to see such an excellent performance from Svantek with a new record in half year sales by a wide margin. The products that we introduced last year have helped set a new benchmark in noise and vibration monitoring instrumentation ensuring they have been well received by both the occupational health and safety and environmental industries as a result.
“The team has also been successful in expanding the market penetration of our products within the construction industry, with us rapidly gaining preferred supplier status with contractors.”


@Svantek_UK #Pauto @elhcomms 

Thursday 25 August 2016

FDI technology now ready to use.

By accomplishing the development of FDI (Field Device Integration) technology PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) and its partner organizations have passed an extraordinary milestone. Not only because the technology will greatly facilitate the device integration in the future. But – and especially – because FDI is the joint result of a trusting and intensive network of manufacturers and organizations for industrial communication. "We were motivated by the strong user interest in a uniform and practical integration technology for process automation. The goal was consistent, simplified device integration. The boundary conditions were maximum manufacturer-neutrality as well as use of proven elements of existing technologies."


The IDE and the Host Component can be obtained here on the PI website:
The completion of the FDI technology is impressive evidence that a targeted intensive cooperation of different organizations in industrial automation can be successful and can provide users with operational technologies for their solutions. This includes the specification of FDI, EDDL, tools, and components to support efficient product development.

After completion of work in the FDI Cooperation LLC, the establishment of FDI technology in the market is an important next step. Key elements to promote the market penetration of FDI are the tools and components. Another element is the joint establishment of testing, certification, and registration rules. To ensure these goals in the long term, PI and FieldComm Group have signed a contract to continue their close and trustful cooperation to provide a common development, maintenance, and deployment on the market.

Karsten Schneider, PI Chairman confirms the importance of this cooperation: "The FDI project is a prime example of how users, manufacturers, and user organizations can trustfully and successfully communicate and cooperate. FDI will significantly simplify the integration task in process industries."

"This ground-breaking body of work enables the immediate adoption of FDI Technology by the automation industry,” says Ted Masters, President and CEO of FieldComm Group. “We are excited with the response this technology has received by leading automation instrumentation and host system providers.”

To support device manufacturers in integrating FDI in their devices, an across-protocol development tool (Integrated Development Environment, IDE) has been provided. It supports the efficient development, testing, and generation of FDI Device Packages, as well as a low-overhead pass-through of existing EDDs in an FDI Device Package. It enables device manufacturers to create FDI Device Packages for PROFIBUS, PROFINET, Foundation Fieldbus, and HART devices using unified processes. Another important result for FDI is definition of architecture for FDI Host Components that allow a uniform treatment of Device Integration Packages in various FDI Hosts. The implementation of such a component that has been created in the context of our activities will serve host manufacturers as a reference while implementing FDI in their tools.

 #Pauto @AllThingsPROFI 

Beating the heat!

How providing the correct PPE equipment is essential in reducing the risk of heat stress.
Though not strictly instrumentation we thought that this is a safety topic which is relevant to control & automation professionals in many process industries.

The issue of heat stress is a real concern for employers and their workforce across the world and it is easy to understand why. According to The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), June 2016 was the hottest June ever recorded worldwide, and marked 14 consecutive months of record heat for the globe. High temperatures are a cause for concern for outdoor workers and increase the risk of heat-related illness such as heat exhaustion, heat stress and heat stroke. Exacerbating this issue is the increasing trend between rapid development in hot countries and the number of labour intensive industries such as construction, mining and oil and gas operations in these countries.

According to the British Health & Safety Executive (HSE), heat stress occurs when the body’s means of controlling its internal temperature, such as sweating, starts to fail. Symptoms of the condition can include: fainting, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, muscle cramps, heat rash and severe thirst.

In addition to climatic changes, heat stress can be induced by other factors such as work rate, worker’s clothing and PPE compatibility. Therefore it is imperative that manufacturers develop equipment that uses lightweight, breathable fabrics and materials where possible. There is a responsibility too on employers to choose the most appropriate equipment for the work and to ensure the correct training is given so that the worker wears the equipment properly.

“We invest a considerable amount of time in the development of our personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure we design lightweight products. We use the best performing materials that offer the correct level of protection,” explains Chris Ellerby, Senior Global Product Manager with Scott Safety.

Ensuring workers wear PPE is an on-going challenge, especially if the pieces are not designed to work together. PPE incompatibility makes the equipment uncomfortable and can lead to the worker getting unnecessarily hot; “Our range of PPE has been specifically developed so that it complements each other and can be worn comfortably, regardless of the heat. There is much research to show that good product compatibility will improve the overall comfort for the wearer, regardless of their working environment and therefore ensure that the products will continue to be worn without detriment to the wearer.”

Scott Safety’s range of PPE includes the multiple application bump cap FirstBase 3. This innovative bump cap is designed to provide protection to the wearer against the effects of head striking against hard, stationary objects. It is made from a breathable fabric that allows high levels of ventilation that will reduce heat stress and improve wearer comfort. Additional features of the FirstBase 3 which works to reduce the effects of heat stress include the wide moisture wicking sweatband.

Chris Ellerby who has worked on the designs of this product since its inception explained: “Reducing heat and humidity on the head is a key customer need when it comes to bump or head protection in general. Scott Safety has done a huge amount of work in terms of analysing relative humidity on the head and implemented several improvements to improve airflow and permit moisture to be expelled; making the FirstBase bump cap collectively one of, if not the lowest, relative humidity bump caps on the marketplace. ”

However compatibility does not just centre on weight and comfort. There is no governing body that dictates that all equipment must meet certain compatibility standards making it harder for manufacturers to develop product compatibility. Ultimately what this means is that unless equipment is purchased from the same manufacturer and therefore designed to work together, good fit and optimum comfort cannot necessarily be guaranteed. And equipment designed and supplied from one manufacturer will most likely have been approved to work together too.

Working in environments where more substantial personal protection is required such as confined spaces or contaminated air environments is a growing trend in many countries. In these situations increased respiratory protection may well be required and this will involve wearing more complex equipment that could, if not designed well, add to heat stress levels. However, Scott Safety, renowned worldwide for its respiratory protection range, recently launched a new powered respirator specifically designed to reduce weight burden. Wearing a respirator over a period of hours can create a great physiological burden on the wearer because the sheer weight of the kit could increase the effort required to breathe. However, this new design incorporates a curved backplate and lightweight battery ensuring user comfort for long periods of use.

Scott Safety has developed a range of solutions that allow users to work comfortably in intense climates, safe in the knowledge that they are properly protected at all times.

@ScottSafetyEMEA #Safety 

Gas detector has extended life!

The PS200 portable gas detector now available from Tyco Gas & Flame Detection has a new catalytic bead sensor option that provides an increased battery life of up to 80 hours in diffusion mode and 20 hours in pump mode.

Both lightweight and durable, the instrument is ideal for protection in hotworks and confined space applications. The PS200 monitors and displays up to 4 hazardous gas conditions simultaneously, detecting all possible combinations of Methane, Oxygen, Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, and a wide range of flammable gases.

Operator interface and calibration are intuitive and easy by toggling between simple one-button functions. During normal operation the large LCD screen displays battery life and real-time gas concentrations, but when a hazardous condition occurs users are alerted by three alarm functions: vibration, red flashing LEDs, and audible buzzer.

To ensure the highest level of personal safety, the PS200 is also fitted with an optional man down/motion sensor that activates alarms if the instrument is not moved within a pre-set time. Other features include an optional built in remote sampling pump for confined space entry, manual backlight screen for poor lighting conditions, a customized user identification code setup, calibration due date display and standard datalogging that can be downloaded with a USB connection to a computer. Accessory components available separately include an Auto Bump and Calibration Station, a 5-instrument multi-charger and an assortment of colored boots/instrument covers.

@TycoGFD #PAuto #Safety

Wednesday 24 August 2016

Peri-metering pumps for high volume water & wastewater apps.

Proseries-M® M-3 and M-4 NSF 61 listed peristaltic metering pumps, from Blue-White Industries, are designed for use in mid to high volume Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment applications. 

Series M4
Proseries-M® units are compatible with the most commonly used chemicals in these applications, such as Sodium Hypochlorite and Hydrogen Peroxide.

These pumps have a no-maintenance, brushless variable speed motor and a 10,000:1 turndown ratio, with high resolution motor speed adjustment. Additional benefits include: Operator friendly digital touch pad; high contrast backlit LCD; NEMA 4X / IP 66 rated for wash down; Exclusive Built-in patented Tube Failure Detection System; and the heavy single piece rotor means no flexing and increased accuracy. Available feed rates range from .0002 to 158.5GPH (depending on model ordered), pressures to 125PSI.

#Pauto @BlueWhiteInd 

Highlighting innovation at major show!

The Enabling Innovation hub, in partnership with Magna International has just been launched. The hub provides a free opportunity for 20 SMEs and innovators to showcase their latest concepts, products and processes to potential partners, investors and buyers from the industry.


Enabling Innovation will take place on the 2 & 3 November 2016 at the NEC, Birmingham (GB), as part of Advanced Engineering 2016. It will provide early stage companies and innovators with a unique and valuable platform to showcase their latest innovations. The companies which secure a space in the hub will be part of a show which features over 700 leading companies from the engineering world and attracts 13,000 engineering professionals. This includes buyers and decision-makers from OEMs and top tier manufacturers.

As part of its support Magna International, one of the world's premier global automotive suppliers, will also hold a competition during the event where it will award a £5,000 prize to the most innovative and disruptive technology featured within the hub.

Representatives from the Magna Research and Development team will also host one on one meetings with innovators to discuss ways to commercialise their ideas.

Katie Crocombe, Event Director comments on the partnership: "We are thrilled to be adding, yet another, new element to Advanced Engineering 2016. We're constantly looking for ways to support growth of innovation within the industry and the Enabling Innovation hub provides a fantastic opportunity for SMEs to accelerate the commercialisation of their latest technologies."

"Advanced Engineering is fast becoming the hub for the industry and I am truly excited about what this year's show has to offer to attendees and exhibitors!"
 
There are several ways in which you can get involved:
  • If you are an SME, apply for an exhibition place - Do you have the next generation of technology or application for the engineering industry? Submit your application on the Advanced Engineering website to be considered for a place
  • Book a meeting - Representatives from the Magna Research & Development team will be available onsite for 1-on-1 meetings during the event
  • Calling all investors - Attend the show as an investor and get unique access to the latest technology available and support innovation in Britain. Register for your free badge today.
  • Or simply register to visit as a free show floor visitor.
@advancedenguk #PAuto @MagnaInt

Metering management services contract for offshore facilities.

Nexen Petroleum U.K. Limited, the wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, has awarded Emerson a new five-year contract to provide metering management services for Nexen’s British operations. The work will be managed from Emerson’s new Solutions Centre in Aberdeen.

Roel van Doren
Emerson will provide onshore metering engineers and offshore metering and analyser technicians for their offshore facilities. The Emerson experts will be responsible for validating and reporting measurement data and metering, sampling, analytical and test equipment, as well as supporting all offshore metering maintenance and verification activities.

“For oil and gas companies, the accuracy and integrity of their fiscal and custody transfer metering systems are critical for customer confidence,” said Roel van Doren, president of Emerson Process Management Europe. “This contract builds on our proven success in helping companies achieve those objectives – while also continually reducing their metering costs.”

Metering systems provide accurate, reliable measurements essential for fiscal accounting, custody transfer and taxation purposes. Emerson’s metering management services help increase confidence in the accuracy of measurement equipment so oil companies can maximise production revenues.

@EmersonProcess  #PAuto #Oil #Gas # Britain @HHC_Lewis

DCS migration at polystyrene manufacturer.

DCSNext capabilities allow INEOS Styrolution to avoid any additional downtime during migration and leverage the complete benefits of the latest technology

The second phase of a major DCS migration has been completed for INEOS Styrolution, a polystyrene manufacturer.

Maverick Technologies applied their DCSNext solution for this project. This takes an innovative approach to DCS migration by considering opportunities for improvement across the entire operation. Thanks to a thorough planning process and team-based dynamic, the entire project was funded upfront; this allowed it to be implemented in concurrent phases during planned outages with no additional downtime.

Leveraging Maverick’s full capabilities through DCSNext was critical to the project’s success. INEOS Styrolution had never before conducted a major DCS migration at their Channahon facility, and its staff was already short on engineering resources. Maverick brought in experts from its operations consulting, design, automation services and field services teams to support Styrolution before, during and after the migration.

The upfront funding approval was achieved through a comprehensive front-end loading (FEL) process. Early FEL helped define the overall scope and strategy while outlining the costs, risks and gaps. This allowed Styrolution a clear look at what the full spend would be, and gave the polystyrene manufacturer confidence that the company could hit all major milestones without exceeding the proposed budget or timeline. Subsequent planning was then performed in parallel with execution to move the project forward without interruption.

In order to eliminate unnecessary downtime, it was essential that all work be completed during the plant’s planned maintenance window. An embedded construction manager from Maverick’s field services group oversaw the entire installation and startup, freeing Styrolution staff to focus on other critical tasks during the outage.

By applying the latest technology and innovations, the team expects to help improve productivity, profitability and agility across the entire operation. Ultimately, this will also include upgrading the existing HMI to a high-performance HMI, which will help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of facility’s HMI graphics and screens.

INEOS Styrolution Project Engineer Jason Werner says the company is pleased with the support MAVERICK has provided through its DCSNext solution. “MAVERICK Technologies is definitely a company that I would recommend to accomplish a DCS project. They worked with us to create unique ideas for implementation of a full system upgrade within a limited outage window.”

@MavTechGlobal  #PAuto @Styrolution

High-precision potentiometer input module.

Mantracourt has launched an accurate and reliable high-performance potentiometer input module. The new DSCUSB-PT plug and play USB device has been designed to convert resistance-based input into digital output and, together with their DSCUSB Toolkit software, allows for quick and easy measurements.

Speaking about the new DSCUSB-PT, Jonathan Purdue, Sales Manager at Mantracourt said, “This is a valuable, new addition to our signal converter range. As well as being easy to configure and use, its compact and plug and play design means it is extremely flexible.”

This new introduction to the company's range of signal converters can be used with resistance based sensors to indicate position, rotation, angle and depth and is particularly suited to applications such as displacement measurement and angular measurement that require high accuracy. The DSCUSB-PT connects directly to a PC and, using the intuitive Toolkit software, data can be extracted from the linear potentiometer input.

As well as being easy to set up and use, the DSCUSB-PT is extremely accurate featuring 7-point linearization and optional temperature compensation. The output is factory calibrated from between 0 – 100% but this can be scaled by the user or a systems integrator to output engineering units. For added flexibility, Mantracourt’s 24 channel logging software enables up to 24 DSCUSB devices to be monitored and data logged. A useful additional feature enables OEM level configuration and calibration to be saved and restored.

To complement the DSCUSB-PT, Mantracourt offers its free DSCUSB Toolkit software. This software for Windows enables users to carry out a host of actions via an intuitive and icon-based navigation system. With simple to follow instructions and highlighted interactive elements, users can configure, save and restore settings, calibrate input and output and log data to a CSV file. The DSCUSB Toolkit also features a real-time, scrolling, auto scaling trend chart that holds and displays up to 10,000 points. This allows engineers to monitor input signals in real time and gives them the information needed to adjust data rates and filters, if necessary.

@mantracourt  #PAuto

Ethernet switches have been certified by ODVA to meet CIP specs.

Red Lion Controls has announced its latest firmware for the N-Tron® series of NT24k® and 700/7000 managed industrial Ethernet switches has been certified by ODVA to meet the requirements of the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) specification.

With embedded support for CIP, this broad industrial Ethernet switch portfolio provides ease of communication for industrial markets that include manufacturing, automotive, electronics and food and beverage.

Industrial factory automation customers, in these markets and others, require a vendor agnostic method for configuring and communicating with diverse devices in their industrial network. CIP was designed for use in process control and industrial automation applications. CIP provides consistent device access, allowing a single configuration tool to monitor and configure CIP devices without the need for vendor specific software. Red Lion’s rugged NT24k and 700/7000 managed switches deliver information and configuration access directly to Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) through standard CIP messaging.

“CIP is an important tool to communicate across diverse equipment. Compliance certification provides vendor-independent assurance that CIP-enabled products comply with the specification,” said Diane Davis, director of product management, networking at Red Lion Controls. “This certification is just one more reason customers can trust Red Lion to seamlessly connect network infrastructures, linking the wide variety of devices common in today’s industrial environments.”

With reliable plug-and-play operation, IGMP auto-configuration and fast boot time, the rugged NT24k and 700/7000 managed industrial switches include standard EtherNet/IP and are designed to provide optimal performance and maximum uptime in the harshest conditions. Red Lion’s wide array of CIP-enabled managed switches, available in rackmount and DIN-rail mountable models, support a variety of port configurations and media types. Customers can now select from over 100 flexible configuration options that include 10/100/1000 Copper, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Fiber and Power over Ethernet (PoE).

• Red Lion products are marketed in Ireland through Instrument Technology.

@redlioncontrols #PAuto 

Educational scholorships in automation.


The International Society of Automation (ISA) is accepting applications for its wide range of 2017 educational scholarships, which will be awarded to college and university students who demonstrate outstanding potential for long-range contributions in the fields of automation, instrumentation and control.
Application deadline 15 Feb 2017

ISA educational scholarships—which fund tuition, related expenses and research initiatives—are distributed annually to undergraduate students at two-year and four-year colleges and universities, and to graduate students.

More than 65,000 in scholarship funds are expected to be distributed in 2017. Top awards are given to two undergraduate winners. Scholarship award amounts will vary. For answers to frequently asked questions regarding ISA educational scholarships, click here.

Interested students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible by submitting a completed application form

The application deadline is 15 February 2017.

ISA awards scholarships from the ISA Educational Foundation Scholarship fund; through the ISA Executive Board; through ISA technical divisions, sections, and districts; and through endowments of generous gifts from supporters. More details on these various scholarships are included below.

Educational Foundation Scholarship
Recipients of awards are full-time college or university students in either a graduate, undergraduate, or two-year degree program with at least an overall GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Students should be enrolled in a program in automation and control or a closely related field.

ISA Executive Board Scholarship
These funds are provided by past and present members of ISA’s Executive Board. Preference is given to applicants with demonstrated leadership capabilities. Award amount varies.

Named Awards
Funds are provided by families or groups in honour of specific people.

ISA Technical Division Scholarship
ISA technical divisions offer scholarships that are processed through each the division. Contacts for each division are outlined on the ISA Technical Division Scholarships web page. Certain divisions, such as the Chemical and Petroleum Industry Division, the Food and Pharmaceutical Industries Division, The Power Industry Division and the Water and Wastewater Industry Division, request that completed applications be sent to the specific contact person identified on each division’s scholarships web page.

ISA Section and District Scholarships
Funds are provided by specific ISA sections and districts.

#ISAuto #PAuto @ISAexchange @IrelandISA

Tuesday 23 August 2016

Realising the digital enterprise.

On May 16th and 17th 2017, ARC Advisory Group will host its European Industry Forum (EIF) in Sitges near Barcelona. The European Industry Forum is part of ARC’s successful series of worldwide conferences in the USA, India, China, and Japan.
Participants are invited to attend a series of exclusive plenary and breakout sessions. In these sessions, ARC analysts and other automation experts will analyse trends and drivers in manufacturing and tell the inside story of successful operations and applications.

Planned sessions include:
  • Advanced Manufacturing and Modularization
  • Asset Lifecycle Management and Smart Machines
  • Cybersecurity
  • Energy and Sustainability
  • Industrial Analytics and Edge Computing
  • Industrie 4.0, IIoT, and Smart Manufacturing
  • IT/OT Convergence
  • Organization and Workforce Development
ARC’s European Industry Forum features dedicated workshops, offering ample opportunity to learn and discuss about trends and developments. Workshops are planned on the following relevant topics:
  • Industrial Cybersecurity and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
  • Industrie 4.0: How IT and Automation Architectures Are Converging
  • Manufacturing Operations Management in the Context of Smart Manufacturing
  • Energy Management: Making Success Sustainable
  • Edge Computing and Analytics Solutions
  • Process Analyzers as Key Enablers for the Digital Plant

@arc_advisory #Pauto #EIF17 #Europe

Compact high-tech HMIs.

R. Stahl HMI Systems is introducing the new ET-438 and MT-438 Panel PCs. Based on the SHARK device platform, they have been specially optimised for onshore and offshore applications in the oil and gas industry.

The new 15" compact-class devices feature powerful processors, state-of-the-art display technology, and enhanced connectivity for high-speed and secure data communications. ATEX- and IECEx-certified, these new HMIs are ideally suitable for use in hazardous areas applications (Zone 1, 21 and 2, 22) such as managing and monitoring of drilling, purging, and directional drilling operations.

Both Panel PC types are available with either a standard AMD dual-core CPU or optionally with a top-of-the-range Intel Core i7 processor. Two junction boxes house multiple explosion-proof interfaces for increased flexibility and connection versatility. Secured data transfer is provided either by a second redundant Ethernet port, or an intrinsically safe Wi-Fi module. To enable VoIP video conferencing, the Panel PCs can also be configured with video camera and Bluetooth interfaces. To reduce irritating reflections and glare in outdoor applications or other strong ambient light conditions, the devices are also available with anti-reflective coated front glass upon request. This option ensures superior readability even in direct sunlight, with brightness levels of more than 1.200 cd/m2.

The capacitive multi-touch display, six freely configurable buttons, and two buttons for brightness adjustment make the HMIs very user-friendly. The Panel PCs are extremely rugged with an enhanced shock and vibration resistance; the powder-coated aluminium enclosures are IP66-rated and seawater-proof. This makes them perfect for tough applications even in the harshest environments. With optional integrated heating, they can be reliably operated at ambient temperatures from -40°C to +65°C (-40°F to +14°F).

• Stahl products are marketed in Ireland through Douglas Controls & Automation.

#Stahl #PAuto #HMI

Leakage current clamps.

Leakage current can cause unnecessary downtime and intermittent RCD tripping of circuits, so quantifying it is an important part of a preventive maintenance program.

The new Fluke® 368 FC and 369 FC Leakage Current Clamps, part of Fluke's Connect system of wireless test tools, help industrial electricians and maintenance technicians identify, document, record, and compare leakage current readings to help prevent problems before they happen, without shutting down critical equipment.

The rugged meters have large diameter jaws (40mm for the 368 FC; 61mm for the 369 FC) for work with oversize conductors. The clamp jaws are fully shielded and designed to accurately capture very small leakage current signals (as low as 10μA) and minimise external electromagnetic interference. The true-rms meters are designed to accurately measure complex signals, with the highest resolution of 1µA and an upper measurement range of 60A.

The 368 FC and 369 FC are part of Fluke Connect® - a system of more than 40 wireless test tools that communicate via the Fluke Connect app, or Fluke Connect Assets software, a cloud-based solution that gathers measurements to provide a comprehensive view of critical equipment status - allowing technicians to record and share both thermal images and electrical measurements in real time via their smartphones or tablets and automatically upload them to the cloud. Reports can be created and shared right from the job site via email and users can collaborate in real time with other colleagues with ShareLive™ video calls, increasing productivity in the field.*

The CAT III 600V safety rated clamp meters feature a forward-facing LED worklight for use in dark wiring cabinets, a backlit display with auto-off, auto-power-off for extended battery life and are supplied with a soft carrying case.

*Within the provider’s wireless service area and subject to the plan’s pricing and other terms.

 @FlukeCorp  #TandM #PAuto